Alton Schwandt
October 30, 1927 – January 17, 2025
Alton William Schwandt was born on October 30, 1927 on a dairy farm near Ripon, Wisconsin. He was the son of William and Dora Ruth Schwandt. He graduated from Ripon High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He graduated with a BA in music and answered the call of Christian ministry to Wartburg Seminary. He graduated in 1953 and was ordained in his home church in Ripon with uncle and brother (Roland) officiating. He married Mary Ruth Alke on June 8, 1951. Together, they managed the Mount Pleasant Children’s and Old Folks Home and Alton was also the custodian of the St. John Cemetery.
His first call was to St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola, Iowa where three of Alton and Mary’s children would be born. After Mineola, he was called to Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Collins Colorado. There, the family welcomed daughter Julianne as well as nine foster children. Alton was chairman of the committee that founded Sky Ranch Lutheran Bible Camp. Alton continued his mission of service through his dedication to Sky Ranch for decades.
In 1969 he accepted a call to St. John Lutheran church in Beatrice, Nebraska. There, he led the radio ministry, “Voice of St. John”. Alton was instrumental in starting and growing various church programs. He served his community through various boards and organizations. He was president of the Beatrice Noon Kiwanis club and served as lieutenant governor of the regional Kiwani’s International. In 1983 he was honored with the Sertoma Service to Mankind award.
Alton’s motto was “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace” which he lived daily.
Alton retired on October 31, 1992 and he and Mary relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska. After retirement, he continued to serve congregations as interim pastor at Lincoln, Grand Island, Palmyra and Diller, Nebraska. After his (final) retirement, he and Mary joined Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
In 2011 he and Mary moved to Tallgrass Retirement Community in Overland Park, Kansas to be near family. Alton spent his final years at Blue Sage Care Center under the professional and compassionate care from staff and Ascend Hospice.
Alton is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Edna (Merlin); brother, Roland (Mildred); and niece, Carol. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Mary; four children; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.